Reflexology

Massaging and touching the feet to help the body, is a very ancient practice. It is thought it could date back to as early as 2330BC as a series of pictures were found in Egypt, in the tomb of Ankhmahor (a physician), that appeared to show a foot massage taking place. It is perhaps more commonly known that the Chinese have used the application of pressure for over 5000 years as a healing therapy.

In the early twentieth century, an American ENT physician by the name of Dr William Fitzgerald, noticed how a part of the body could be anaesthetised by pressing on another part. He experimented with different ways of applying this pressure and eventually started performing minor surgery using this technique. Using his knowledge he went on to divide the body into zones, and considered everything in each zone to be connected by energy. His work and research were continued by others, and it was Eunice Ingham, who in the mid-to-late twentieth century, developed reflexology as we know it today.

The present treatment is still based on this same zone theory, and the belief that all organs, glands or parts of the body are represented by a reflex point on the foot, or hand, and that applying pressure to those points may relieve tension, resulting in an improved sense of wellbeing.

Reflexology does not claim to diagnose, treat or cure a disorder, but practice shows that it makes many people feel better in themselves. Doctors today will often recommend this treatment to their patients as a means of inducing relaxation.

As a registered reflexologist I am happy to offer support to those who choose reflexology as a means of relaxation, including those with various health conditions.

What happens at a treatment?On the first visit a medical questionnaire will be completed to determine your past and present health and lifestyle. I will then use my hands to apply pressure to the feet and will be able to detect subtle changes in specific points.

A treatment session lasts between 45-60 minutes and a course of treatment may be recommended depending on your body's needs. After one or two treatments your body may respond in a very definite way. Most people will notice a sense of well being and relaxation. Sometimes patients report feeling lethargic or even tearful, but this is only transitory.